The Third Twin

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: January LaVoy

The study of twins and the genetics of aggression totally consumes research scientist Jeannie Ferrami. An accomplished and headstrong researcher, Jeannie has developed a sophisticated software program to identify identical twins reared apart. But Jeannie's breakthrough project is threatened by the appearance of a sudden impossibility--identical twins born weeks apart to different mothers at separate locations. When Jeannie's research assistant, Lisa, is raped, Steve Logan, a young law student who is one of Jeannie's research subjects, is identified in a police lineup as Lisa's attacker. Logan's genetic tests reveal no violent behavior patterns. Then Jeannie stumbles upon the beginnings of a stunning revelation. Logan is unaware of the existence of a criminal twin brother in jail. Jeannie is convinced of Steve's innocence, yet her judgment may be clouded by her growing emotional attachment to him. By now Jeannie's problems are mounting. Berrington Jones, Jeannie's arrogant and intimidating boss, is a world-renowned authority on biotechnical engineering. He and his partners are involved in devious but lucrative negotiations to sell Genetco, their biogenetic research company. Jeannie's research poses a major threat to their impending millions. Jones arranges to have Jeannie fired.

Stunned and feeling helpless, Jeannie doesn't understand why this has happened to her. With Steve and his brother in jail, who is committing these sex crimes? While acting on a hunch that might solve the mystery surrounding Steve and his brother's birth, Jeannie is violently attacked by yet another twin who looks exactly like Steve. Determined to protect her research program and convinced her former boss has something important to hide, a terrified Jeannie has no other choice but to find out why Jones and his partners will stop at nothing to discredit her work.

Critic reviews

“Follett infuses the book with an irresistible energy.”—People

“A provocative, well-paced, and sensational biotech thriller.”—Variety

“[A] page-turner . . . [Ken] Follett is one of the smoothest suspense writers around, and The Third Twin will only enhance his reputation.”—Chicago Tribune

“[Follett] is a master of the fast-paced plot.”—The Washington Post

“Follett keeps the tension high.”—The Oregonian

“Follett really knows how to tell a story.”—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Idiot plot

Characters missed the obvious too many times and got by on dumb luck. It’s a wonder how anyone survives.

Another great one by Ken Follett!

Never disappoints, can’t wait to read another one by my newest favorite author, Ken Follett.

Full of suspense

Loved this story by Ken Follett. This story took me by surprise from his other novels and Trilogy. Action packed from beginning to end.

Very Poor Attempt

I have to wonder if Ken Follett simply had committed to another book and needed to spit one out or worse, did he license his name to some second year writing student? I even triple checked the author's name to confirm it was really him. Follet is one of my favorite authors and I have read almost every book he's written but this is so far from the genres that made him famous that I have to believe it was written under duress.
The book was hokey from the start. Even some of the names were awful, i.e. Barrington Jones. ugh!
The "protagonist" is so narcissistic and unlikable that I almost wished her to fail. She only cares about herself and what everyone can do for her, even her friend who just got raped! Her father is a joke and yet she continues to forgive him as though what he does to her is nothing.
The other Follet books that swerve away from his traditional style have also been lacking but at least readable. I just wish he would stick to what he does best.

Ken should stop basing novels in America.

Big Ken follett fan. But he really should stop trying to base books in America or needs to get an American to proofread it when he finishes. I’ve always been a little annoyed by his lack of understanding American but even more annoying is the vocabulary terms he uses. There is over 100 examples in this book where Ken uses terms that are never ever used in America and this eventually takes away from the authenticity of his characters. Examples such as “billfold” and “tenement” are never used in American, ever. Instead of getting lost in the story, his use of the wrong vocabulary constantly reminds you this is a fictional story written by a British guy.